Observing Droplet Dynamics and Spray Breakup: From Propulsion to Forensics
MIE Department Seminar
September 19, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM America/Chicago
Presenter: James B. Michael, PhD, Iowa State University
Location: ERF 1043
Abstract: Spray and droplet phenomena are ever present in engineering applications and the physical environment. This seminar will focus on experimental insights from high-speed imaging and laser diagnostics on droplet and spray phenomena in two areas: combustor-relevant impacts of droplets on hot walls, and the physics of atomization of blood. In both applications, our group applies high-speed imaging and holography to characterize spray and drop interactions. Results from drop impingement experiments will be discussed for a range of combustor relevant conditions including elevated wall temperature, ambient pressure, and fuel composition. Related spray and droplet phenomena also occur in biological fluids, including in the production of bloodstain patterns, which are analyzed in criminal forensics. The influence of the primary and secondary atomization processes on bloodstain patterns will be discussed, including potential implications for forensic science.
Speaker Bio: James Michael is an associate professor of mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University. His research focuses on developing and applying novel optical and spectroscopic tools to study multiphase and reacting fluid systems. He received his Ph.D. from Princeton University in mechanical and aerospace engineering (2012) and his B.S. in aerospace engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (2007). He has been involved in the development of novel techniques including seedless molecular flow tagging velocimetry (FLEET), and the application of ultrafast CARS to study non-equilibrium systems. Recently, his group has been supported by sponsored projects from ONR, AFOSR, DTRA, ARL, NSF, and DOJ. Current research topics include the development of absorption thermometry for post-detonation environments, the study of fuel spray physics for unmanned aerial system propulsion, and CARS measurements for propulsion applications.
Date posted
Sep 14, 2023
Date updated
Sep 14, 2023